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Detectives have begun questioning 11 people over the disappearance of Madeleine McCann.

Met police officers will spend three days observing the interviews in Faro on the Algarve.

Scotland Yard has declined to comment, saying it will not give a ‘running commentary’ on the inquiry.

The Met delegation in Portugal includes the incoming head of the British side of the investigation, Det Ch Insp Nicola Wall.

She is replacing Det Ch Insp Andy Redwood, who is retiring.

Madeleine’s parents, Kate and Gerry McCann have been informed of the change.

Among the witnesses due to be questioned is British ex-pat Robert Murat. Mr Murat, who is not a suspect, was first questioned when Madeleine went missing aged three from the Algarve resort of Praia da Luz seven years ago.

In June British officers spent eight days searching three areas of land in the resort, close to where Madeleine disappeared.

They found no new evidence but her parents said that reinforced their belief she could still be alive. Madeleine disappeared from her holiday apartment on May 3 2007 as her parents dined at a nearby tapas restaurant with friends.